262 Edward Livingston Youmans. 



that the reasons against the step do not counterbalance the 

 reasons in its favour. Certainly if there are any cases in 

 which such expressions of feeling are appropriate this is 

 one. 



The step will probably be thought somewhat tardy ; and 

 I have myself, from time to time, regretfully put aside the 

 thought of it under the impression that it was too late. 

 Recently, however, it occurred to me that, as the dedication 

 includes the whole series of volumes, only part of which is 

 at present issued, it is by no means too late. 



I have forthwith acted upon this conclusion, and I send 

 you proofs before stereotyping for the purpose of asking 

 whether you have any suggestion to make. 



You had better say nothing about it until the thing is 

 done ; indeed, considering that it is somewhat out of the 

 usual course, it will probably be best to say nothing about 

 it when it is done, but let the -knowledge of it become 

 gradually diffused by the insertion of the dedication in all 

 copies of First Principles hereafter issued. 



Very sincerely yours, HERBERT SPENCER. 



Youmans's admirable letter in reply must be given 

 entire : 



NEW YORK, November^ 1870. 



MY DEAR SPFNCER : I have delayed replying to your 

 last from want of time, and take it up at the first available 

 moment. The dedication you sent is admirably drawn and 

 no doubt would please American vanity amazingly, but I 

 am of opinion that its publication would be decidedly un- 

 advisable. You have a few friends in the United States, 

 as you have in England and on the Continent, who appre- 

 ciate the importance of your undertaking, and for this rea- 

 son have done something to make it known. It happens 

 that in this country other elements than intelligent appre- 

 ciation have been made available to promote the diffusion 

 of your writings. Yet if these were subtracted from the 



